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A quick recap of the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence!. American Ideas vs. British Control. For almost 100 years, American colonial governments enjoyed relative “ self -government ” from Britain.
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A quick recap of the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence!
American Ideas vs. British Control • For almost 100 years, American colonial governments enjoyed relative “self -government” from Britain. • In 1760, King George III takes the throne and demands more control over America
“French & Indian War” • The “French & Indian War” (1754-1763) made things worse. • The war was extremely expensive for the British government, leading to increased taxes in America. • The Proclamation Line kept colonist from expanding west and brought more British troops to the colonies.
“Stamp Act”(1765) • The first significant tax was the “Stamp Act” of 1765. • This act required expensive tax stamps on all newspapers and legal documents
“No Taxation Without Representation” • American colonists resented these new taxes by the British. • Since they had no representation in the British Parliament, they felt they should not have to pay taxes.
American Boycotts • In protest, many Americans began to “boycott” or refuse to buy British goods. • As a result, the British government “repealed” or cancelled the act.
“Townshend Acts”(1767) • The new “Townshend Act” of 1767 replaced other British taxes. • This act allowed taxes to be levied on basic goods imported to the colonies from Great Britain (glass, tea, paper, etc.)
“Tea Act”(1773) • The “Tea Act” followed, allowing the British East India Company to bypass colonial government tax requirements. • American merchants were outraged. >:/
“Coercive” (“Intolerable”) Acts • To respond to the “Boston Tea Party”, the British Parliament instituted the “Coercive Acts”. • Called the “Intolerable Acts” by America, they restricted colonial rights.
First Continental Congress (1774) • In 1774, 12 of the 13 American colonies sent “delegates” or representatives to Philadelphia to express their concerns with Britain’s new taxes. • Georgia did not attend.
First Continental Congress (1774) • Congress sent a letter to King George demanding the rights of the colonists be restored. • All agreed to meet again within a year if the king did not agree.
King George’s Response THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION! The shot that was heard around the world at Lexington and Concord.
Second Continental Congress (1775) • During the second meeting, delegates argued over the best solution. • Many did NOT want independence, fearing they could not win a war with Britain.
Thomas Paine & “Common Sense” • Paine argued in 1776 that is was only “common sense” for America to break with Great Britain. • King George was a “royal brute” and America had every right to sever ties.
Second Continental Congress (1776) • After many months of debate, more than half of the delegates agreed to declare independence from Great Britain. • The writings of Paine were very influential.
“Declaration of Independence” • Thomas Jefferson detailed the colonies’ reasons for breaking away with Great Britain. • His list of complaints are referred to as grievances. • Jefferson claimed that the king did not look after the interests of the colonies anymore.
“Declaration of Independence” • First Section • Explains why the Continental Congress drew up this declaration.
“Declaration of Independence” • Part II: • Declaration of Natural Rights • This lists the rights of the citizens, explaining that in a “republic”, the people form the government to protect their rights. *** This proved that if when the government violates their natural rights, then the people have the right to alter or abolish it!
“Declaration of Independence” • Part III: • List of Grievances (Complaints) • This lists the colonists’complaints against the British government (singling out King George for the blame).
Uncertain Future?? • Benjamin Franklin’s drawing from the 1750’s. • Franklin stressed that the colonies must be united if they are to prevail against Great Britain.